Stories from Sedgwick

02/05/2026

A tree fire near Sedgwick had started spreading into nearby grass and scrub today, prompting a response from Sedgwick Fire Brigade, along with crews from Mandurang and Axe Creek. 🔥

Sedgwick crews quickly turned out both tankers and arrived on scene promptly, working to stop the fire from spreading any further.

Access to the paddock was limited, which meant the brigade’s larger Tanker 1 could not get in where it needed to.

That left the job to Sedgwick’s smaller, community-funded Tanker 2, which was able to gain access and help crews attack the fire directly.

Once the flames were brought under control, crews then got to work with rakehoes, digging through burnt ground and leaf litter to make sure the fire was fully extinguished and would not reignite.

Sedgwick Fire Brigade thanked everyone who assisted at the scene and said the incident showed the value of ongoing community support.

The brigade also reminded residents that even as the weather cools, fire risk has not disappeared.

Grass, scrub, leaf litter and timber can still catch, so locals are being urged to stay vigilant.

10/01/2026

A massive shoutout to the Redesdale General Store – absolute legends of the highest order! ❤️

They stayed open well after hours last night just so fire trucks could refuel and crews could grab a feed. And then, like proper good humans, they flat-out refused to take a cent for the food or drinks. No fuss, no ego, just helping because it needed doing. 🙏🏻‍

This is a small family business showing what real community spirit looks like, and it honestly matters more than people realise when things are tough and everyone’s running on fumes! 💪

05/08/2025

Throwback Tuesday to when proud Dja Dja Wurrung man Trent Nelson was featured on ABC Indigenous program This Place.

He spoke specifically about the mountain known as Mount Alexander, situated near Harcourt in central Victoria.

“For tens of thousands of years, my people, the Dja Dja Wurrung, have been here on this area,” revealed Trent.

“These days, people call this place Mount Alexander. But in Dja Dja Wurrung language, it's called Leanganook, meaning 'His Teeth'.”

25/05/2025

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Sedgwick Fire Brigade Captain and Life Member, Brendan Drechsler. :'(

Brendan was a dedicated member for over 50 years and was passionate about both the CFA and the Sedgwick community.

He fought countless fires, including Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday – which he cited as one of his greatest achievements.

“In 2009, Brendan was the crew leader of a small light tanker crewed by himself and two others,” revealed the Sedgwick Fire Brigade following his death.

“Despite the overwhelming fire front and without any backup, they stayed and fought the fire alone, obtaining water from a nearby pool.”

“They successfully contained the fire from jumping Eaglehawk Road, saving many lives and protecting nearby homes and bushland.”

Our thoughts are with Brendan's family, friends, and everyone who knew him during this incredibly difficult time.

He'll always be remembered for his bravery, dedication, and love for his community.

15/02/2024

A stunning old Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), measuring 8.7 metres in girth in Sutton Grange, just south of Sedgwick, captured by Alan Deumer! 🌳

28/12/2023

In some sad news, Sedgwick firefighter and life member, Garry 'Wally' Mannix, has passed away. 🌹

Thoughts are with Wally’s family, friends and colleagues during this time. 💐

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Sedgwick Firefighter, and life member, Garry Mannix. Known to many as ‘Wally’.

Garry has been a member of Sedgwick Rural Fire Brigade for more than fifty years and although CFA turnout records only go back half that time, we know he has attended over 100 incidents in the past 25 years alone.

During his 50 years of service to Sedgwick brigade, CFA and his community, Garry held various positions including Training officer, Apparatus officer and several Lieutenant positions. He was also one of the brigades most experienced and respected drivers.

Throughout his service, Garry was awarded several service and recognition medals including the National Emergency Medal with two clasps and was recently awarded with his 50 year service medal, CFA life membership and brigade life membership.

For many years he worked with a water supply company and had immediate access to a large water tanker. He would respond to a callout with the water truck ensuring that there was plenty of water available for the firefighting effort. Garry was also a qualified plumber and handled plumbing jobs and repairs at the Fire Station.

Garry is held in very high esteem by the members of the Sedgwick Brigade and Eppalock Group, we always learnt so much from his experience and wisdom. There wasn’t any part of the Sedgwick community or brigade history that Garry couldn’t tell you about. His local knowledge and off road driving skills were invaluable to the brigade.

To all that knew him, Garry (Wally) was a true community hero, a mentor and a friend, that would do anything for anyone.

His passing is a loss to the Sedgwick brigade and community, but his firefighting legacy will live on in his sons Ricky and David who are active members of brigade, as well as every brigade member who learnt from him.

Deepest sympathy to Garry’s wife Ann, and his children Sandra, Ricky and David and their families.